Cold Snap: Meet the Writer Clare Currie
We premiere a brand new piece of theatre Cold Snap by Clare Currie on Sunday 16 February at 4.30pm and 7.30pm.
In Cold Snap Clare Currie grapples with her love of sport, the strains of the ageing process and the demands of modern life. As – having once been a sanctuary – the body becomes a new battleground for her to conquer.
We had a catch up with Clare to find out a little bit more…
Can you give us some background to yourself and your work?
I’m a poet and playwright – former Peterborough Poet Laureate and a founder member of Syntax Poetry Festival. I’ve written plays for Eastern Angles, Paines Plough and am one of the current group of Hightide mentored writers.
Tell us a bit about your upcoming play Cold Snap. What is the concept / themes?
The piece centres around the suffocating expectations of modern life, motherhood and the need to access mental health support. This is set against the protagonist’s love of sport and a sincere appreciation of her own body. Things come to a head as she starts to grapple with the ageing process.
Why did you choose to write about this subject?
I’m always driven to write from experience. I was very aware that I’d only seen a limited amount of creative work that considered women’s bodies through the lens of sport. However, I’d spent a lifetime playing sport and had relied on it as an outlet during multiple difficult periods.
How did you get the project up and running / what support did you have?
Pre pandemic, I responded to a commission opportunity from JumpedUpTheatre in Peterborough and was supported to apply for a DYCP Arts Council Grant and scratch the show, which helped in the development of my practice and the piece itself.
Since moving to Norwich and being part of the Tilted Women Group at the Arts Centre, Lucy Farrant has encouraged and supported me to resurrect the project and has been an all-round tour de force.
During the Tilted Women Festival 2024, I read an extract from the play and its reception, combined with the support of the group, further encouraged me to bite the bullet, apply for funding and get it back on its feet.
What do you most enjoy about writing and performing a new piece of work?
This bit towards the end of the creating process, where it all comes together collaboratively, and there are no bid-writing forms in sight!
How are rehearsals going?
Great – very much due to the team of women I’m working with – talented and supportive – eases my perfectionist anxieties!
What’s next for the play?
The funding was acquired to get the piece ready for touring. So the process should result in a finished piece, a tour pack and a trailer which we can then send to prospective bookers.
What’s the best thing about living in Norfolk?
I live near Great Yarmouth. I love the mix of architecture, dunes, the wilds, broads, being in walking distance of the sea, the rich history of the place, the people and the proximity to more bustling areas like Norwich.
10 Quick Qs:
Where did you grow up, and where do you live now?
I grew up in Peterborough and moved to Gorleston, Great Yarmouth – 2021
Who is your biggest influence and why?
My Grandmother (beyond doubt): emboldening, compassionate, wonderfully eccentric
What makes your work stand out from other creatives?
People have said that they enjoy the lyrical aspect of my playwrighting. I think that being a poet naturally feeds into my other work.
What makes you happy?
When my cats trill at me, or a perfectly timed netball interception
What makes you sad?
I’ve recently been watching films from the Artemis Rising foundation – Power harmfully wielded over others is hands down the worst thing – the crushing effects.
What film, TV show, book or podcast have you recently enjoyed?
I shouldn’t admit this, but I’m a complete Australian Survivor addict
If you could only own one musical album, what would it be?
Joni Mitchell – Blue
What would your super power be?
My faith – believing that there’s a bigger story at play frees me up from the pressure of always having to make the right decision or fix stuff myself.
What you’d be doing if you weren’t a writer?
Collector of detritus – metal, bones, beach combings – using it to make stuff to sell on Etsy. Alternatively – an interior designer.
Thank you Clare! You can catch the premiere of Cold Snap on Sunday 16 February at 4.30pm or 7.30pm. Tickets available HERE
